Tendon Boots

Tendon Boots For Horses

Tendon boots are protective leg gear for horses, specifically designed to shield the tendons and lower leg areas—especially the flexor tendons on the back of the horse’s front legs—from injury during fast-paced or high-impact activities like jumping. These boots are commonly used in disciplines such as show jumping, eventing, and dressage to prevent injuries caused by striking or brushing the front legs with the hind hooves.

Key Features of Tendon Boots:

1. Strike Protection: Tendon boots feature hard protective plates or strike guards along the back of the leg, protecting the tendons and cannon bone from impacts or strikes.
2. Open-Front Design: Most tendon boots have an open front, allowing the horse to feel the impact of knocking a jump rail, which encourages them to be careful with their legs.
3. Shock Absorption: Padding on the inside of the boots (often made of neoprene, gel, or memory foam) helps absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury from knocks or impacts.
4. Lightweight Materials: The boots are made of lightweight, durable materials such as plastic, synthetic leather, or carbon fiber, providing protection without adding unnecessary weight to the horse’s legs.
5. Secure Fastening: Most tendon boots use Velcro or elastic straps with buckles to ensure a snug, secure fit, preventing the boots from slipping during fast-paced activities.

Benefits of Tendon Boots:

• Protection Against Overreach and Knocks: Tendon boots protect the delicate tendons from being struck by the horse's hind legs or obstacles like jump rails.
• Prevents Brushing Injuries: By covering the sides and back of the lower leg, tendon boots prevent injuries caused by brushing or interference between the legs during fast work.
• Support for Ligaments and Tendons: While they are primarily for protection, tendon boots provide some level of support to the leg, minimizing strain on the tendons during strenuous activities.

Types of Tendon Boots:

1. Open-Front Tendon Boots: These are the most common type, used primarily in show jumping. The open front design allows the horse to feel when it knocks a rail, encouraging more careful jumping.
2. Closed-Front Tendon Boots: These provide more complete protection, covering the entire front of the leg. They are sometimes used in disciplines like cross-country where more comprehensive protection is needed.
3. Elastic vs. Non-Elastic Straps: Elastic straps provide flexibility and a snug fit, while non-elastic Velcro straps offer a secure fit with easy adjustment.

Uses of Tendon Boots:

• Show Jumping: Tendon boots are most commonly used in show jumping to protect the horse’s front legs while ensuring it feels any impact with a jump rail.
• Eventing: During the stadium jumping or cross-country phases, horses wear tendon boots to protect their legs during jumps.
• Dressage: While tendon boots are not always used in dressage, they can be worn during training to prevent interference injuries.

How to Choose the Right Tendon Boots:

1. Fit: The boots should fit snugly without causing discomfort or rubbing. The strike guard should cover the back of the leg without restricting movement.
2. Material: Choose durable, breathable materials like neoprene for everyday use, or carbon fiber/Kevlar for more advanced protection.
3. Fastenings: Strong, easy-to-adjust straps (Velcro or buckles) are essential to keep the boots in place.
4. Ventilation: Some tendon boots have perforated or ventilated designs to allow airflow and prevent heat buildup around the tendons during exercise.

Popular Brands for Tendon Boots:

• Veredus: Known for high-quality materials and advanced designs.
• Eskadron: Popular for durable, well-fitting boots.
• LeMieux: Offers a wide range of tendon boots, combining style and protection.
• Woof Wear: Affordable and durable, with good protection for daily use.

Fitting Tendon Boots:

• Ensure the boots fit snugly and do not shift while the horse is moving.
• Place the boots so that the strike guard covers the back of the cannon bone and tendons.
• Adjust the straps so they are tight enough to stay in place but not too tight to restrict circulation or cause pressure points.

Tendon boots are essential for ensuring the safety and performance of a horse during jumping or other fast-paced activities. Would you like suggestions on specific boots for a particular discipline?